How to do a signage takeoff

Read the spec first

Start with 10 14 00 Signage. List each sign type with its material, size and mounting. Note which signs need raised characters and braille. Read who provides the message schedule. Check for allowances. Some owners carry exterior and brand signs outside the contract.

Sheets and schedules that carry the count

• The signage schedule. It lists each sign type and often each location.
• The sign type drawings. They show size, layout and mounting.
• The sign location plans, if the set has them.
• The door schedule and the floor plans. They show which rooms need a sign.
• The life safety plan. It shows exits, stairs and areas of refuge.
• The exterior elevations and the site plan, for building and site signs.

Steps in order

1. List each sign type from the spec and the sign type drawings.
2. Count each type from the schedule or the location plans.
3. Walk the floor plans. Check that each room in the schedule exists.
4. Count restroom, stair, exit and other code signs.
5. Count exterior signs: building letters, address, monument and dimensional signs.
6. Count site signs: accessible parking, traffic and wayfinding.
7. Measure the sizes of letters and panels that are priced by size.
8. Note the mounting for each type: wall, glass, ceiling, post or blade.

Count, length, area or volume

• Count: every sign, by type. This is a count trade.
• Length: letter height and the length of dimensional letter sets.
• Area: panel signs, plaques and vinyl graphics.
• Volume: concrete for post and monument footings, if they are yours.

Conflicts to find, and what to exclude

• The schedule lists fewer room signs than the plans have rooms.
• The life safety plan needs stair and exit signs that the schedule omits.
• The spec describes a sign type that no drawing shows.
• Site signs appear on the civil sheets under a different section.
• An illuminated sign appears on the elevations. No electrical sheet feeds it.

The documents and the code can ask for different sign counts. Ask the design team if they disagree. State who supplies power to illuminated signs. Qualify sign permits, footings and final messages. Exclude owner brand signs and electrical exit lights unless the documents give them to you.

Trade takeoffs · Updated 11 Nov 2026